Andrew Westoby

A 41-year-old man from Leeds has been sentenced to five years in prison for a catalogue of sexual abuse against children under 13. Andrew Westoby appeared at Bradford Crown Court, where he was convicted of serious sexual offences that have left his victims deeply traumatised.

Westoby initially pleaded guilty to inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity but denied charges of sexual assault and sexual activity with a child. He later changed his pleas to guilty on these counts just before the trial was due to begin. The court heard that Westoby's denials had forced the young victims to endure cross-examination, adding to their distress. Recorder Anthony Hawks, sentencing Westoby, described the offences as a 'catalogue of sexual abuse' and rejected Westoby's claim that there was no sexual motive behind his actions, calling it 'untrue'.

• Offences: Inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, sexual assault of a child, and sexual activity with a child.
• Impact on victims: Statements from the victims revealed they had been left extremely anxious, sad, and in one case, dealing with anger issues, with the judge noting the 'catastrophic effect' of such abuse.

In mitigation, defence barrister Paul Canfield highlighted Westoby's previous good character and complicated medical background, noting that the guilty pleas came 'albeit late in the day'. Recorder Hawks emphasised that an immediate custodial sentence was inevitable due to the gravity of the crimes. Westoby was jailed for a total of five years, ordered to serve half in custody before release on licence. Additionally, he was made subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and must register as a sex offender for life.

The case was heard at Bradford Crown Court on 6th November, as reported by the Bradford Telegraph and Argus. West Yorkshire Police provided the image used in coverage of the sentencing.